Thruway Authority delays meeting amid toll worries

ALBANY — The New York State Thruway Authority, which hasn't met since public hearings on a proposed 45 percent increase in truck tolls were held three months ago, abruptly canceled a Friday meeting that had only been scheduled Wednesday.

ALBANY — The New York State Thruway Authority, which hasn't met since public hearings on a proposed 45 percent increase in truck tolls were held three months ago, abruptly canceled a Friday meeting that had only been scheduled Wednesday.

The authority never provided any information about the meeting's agenda or any reason for its cancellation two hours before its scheduled start. The meeting, according to the Thruway's website, has been rescheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Kendra Adams, president of the New York State Motor Truck Association, said she was as mystified as everyone else, but thought there was "a strong likelihood" that the truck toll increase had been on the agenda, since the authority originally wanted to have it in place by Oct. 1.

"I'm holding onto a small glimmer of hope that they have found a better alternative, but we're preparing for the worst," said Adams.

The proposed increase, which only applies to trucks of three or more axles, has united the trucking industry and its customers across New York in protest of the impact it would have on their operations and the state's fragile economy. The three hearings in mid-August produced a record volume of comment.